# Guido

/ˈɡwidoʊ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/guido
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a slang word for a young Italian-American man who acts very tough and cares a lot about his clothes and hair. It is often used as an insult and can be seen as rude or offensive.

For teachers: a derogatory slang term for a young, working-class Italian-American male, typically associated with an aggressive persona and a specific fashion style involving flashy clothing and groomed hair. Often considered an ethnic slur; use with extreme caution.

## Examples

- He was tired of being called a guido just because of his style.
- The reality show was criticized by some groups for promoting the guido stereotype as a representative image of Italian-American youth.
- Sociologists have analyzed the guido subculture as a performance of hyper-masculinity and ethnic pride, though the term remains deeply polarizing and frequently offensive to the wider community.

## Usage notes

- Primarily used in the Northeastern United States; carries a strong pejorative weight.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.